Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a game mode, and an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a game switching instruction in a current game mode; selecting a target game mode according to the game switching instruction; acquiring first game process data of the target game mode and game character data of the current game mode; running a game process of the target game mode according to the first game process data and the game character data.

Abstract: Systems and devices for a team game played on an obround court includes radially symmetric barriers defining cylindrical goals having circular openings concentric with the semicircles of the obround court. An annular halt zone extends around the barriers. A free throw line extends around each halt zone. An obround judge lane extends along the perimeter of the court and is occupied by two judges or referees that monitor the game, while another judge or referee remains inside the perimeter. The court is divided by a centerline which includes a circle at the center of the court. The outer wall of the barrier includes one or more video screens. Audience members can access a computer network to display images, text or video selected by them in real-time during gameplay. The ball used for the game has a surface texture provided by a plurality of square pebbles instead of rounded pebbles.

Abstract: A method for informing a process control center about the fact that a sensor is being disconnected from a measuring transducer that is arranged spatially remote from the process control center and electrically connected with the process control center. The sensor is connected with the measuring transducer via a plug-in connection. A method involving automatic transmission of a signal to the process control center when the plug-in connection is opened is designed in such a way that, when opening a bayonet joint that covers the plug-in connection, or when disconnecting the plug-in connection, in order to disconnect the sensor from the measuring transducer, an electric signal is generated in the plug-in connection or the bayonet joint, which is transmitted to the process control center.

Abstract: Roundball is a sports event that is based on the same primitive activity that forms the basis of three other games, namely, basketball, 21st Century Challenge America Basketball Game, and Method for Playing a Basketball-Type Game. The latter two are patented. All four are singular games by virtue of their completely different formats. Roundball games are composed of rounds, like boxing matches; and the winner of the game is the team that accumulates the majority of the points in each of the majority of the rounds. Roundball games will be suspenseful from start to finish, with clear and reasonable results. There is good reason to expect that professional Roundball will become a strong competitor for a share of the multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry market. There is no record of anyone else having conceived the same idea; which is strong empirical evidence that your petitioner is the inventor of Roundball.

Abstract: A game of Jaxx and the method thereof is provided as a competitive team based sport that incorporates elements of various field sports while emphasizing strategy and sportsmanship. The game of Jaxx utilizes regulations that govern player participation, scoring, physical contact, and equipment. The current regulations governing the game of Jaxx provide a regulation game piece and an elevated hoop shaped goal as central game pieces. The object of the game of Jaxx is to coordinate a team of players to score points by throwing the regulation game piece through the elevated hoop shaped goal while the elevated hoop shaped goal is defended by an opposing team. At the end of the game session the team that scored the most points is declared the winner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless shot tracking system including a programmable electronic unit that is in electrical communication with a shot detector for automatically tracking and displaying real-time shooting percentages of basketball players during basketball shooting sessions, and a telescoping pole for mounting the shot detector to a basketball rim from the ground. The programmable electronic unit provides a program mode, a play mode, a review mode and a random mode to help improve the shooting skills of a basketball player from different shooting locations on a basketball court. The shot detector includes one or more vibration sensors to detect missed shots, and an activator that extends along a horizontal axis in a central region of the basketball hoop to detect made shots. The programmable electronic unit interfaces with a computer via a USB port for uploading or downloading program updates or shooting session data.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of playing a basketball game on a relatively rectangular court. Two opposing teams have hoops at opposite ends of the court. Each team includes four active players. Teams score five points by shooting a basketball into the hoop from beyond a five point line. A team scores four points by making a shot from beyond a four point line, but not beyond the five point line. A team scores three points by making a shot from beyond a three point line, but not beyond the four point line. A team scores two points for shots made from in front of the three point line. A team scores one point when an opposing player commits a foul. Each team's points are aggregated over the course of a game and a winner is designated when a team reaches one hundred and one points.

Abstract: A sport team game that combines different ball games allowing the athlete to perform at different skill levels, depending on the ball sport team game. The sport team game includes a court having a first end, a second end, a first sideline, a second sideline, a midline passing through a middle point of the court and running from the first sideline to the second sideline and a central circle circumscribed about the center of the midline. Landing strips are located near the end of the court. Trap zones are located near each landing strip. Basket goals are located above each trap zone. Floor goals are located under the basket goals. The three-points line extends around each landing strip. The sport game is played under the rules of at least two different ball games.

Abstract: Circonic Game, a simulated indoor or outdoor basketball game, is played on a circular court outlined by three concentric circles. The outer circle acts as the court boundary and is conjoined by four smaller circles placed tangentially in a location that conforms to the four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east). Four similar smaller circles are placed in a location that also conforms to four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east) inside the two inner concentric circles of different radii forming a cluster of rings. A center pole in an upright position is mounted at the center of the court. Towards the top of the center pole are two primary ring baskets circumscribed by a larger circumferential ring basket supported by a transverse bar attached or welded to the rebounding center post centered in between these two primary ring baskets.

Abstract: Circonic Game, a simulated indoor or outdoor basketball game, is played on a circular court outlined by three concentric circles. The outer circle acts as the court boundary and is conjoined by four smaller circles placed tangentially in a location that conforms to the four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east). Four similar smaller circles are placed in a location that conforms to four cardinal points of the compass (i.e., north, south, west and east) inside the two inner concentric circles of different radii forming a cluster of rings. A center pole in an upright position is mounted at the center of the court. Towards the top of the center pole are two primary ring baskets circumscribed by a larger circumferential ring basket supported by a transverse bar attached or welded to the rebounding center post centered in between these two primary ring baskets.

Abstract: A static aiming target for perfecting basketball bank shots appears to move horizontally and vertically along a backboard as a player moves back and forth across the court and towards and away from the backboard. This apparent movement of the aiming target is produced by visual aiming regions which allow for predetermined viewing of portions of the aiming target as a function of a player's position on the court. In each case, a player shoots for the aiming target in order to complete a proper bank shot.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing basketball and in particular to a method comprising providing a rectangular region defining a game play surface; providing a goal defined by a hoop located over each the in paint region; and scoring points during game play as follows: a player standing, within the in paint region, and shooting a ball through the goal scores one point; the player standing, within region between the in paint region and the three-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores two points; the player standing, within region between the three-point line and the four-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores three-points; and the player standing, within the four-point region, and shooting the ball through the goal scores four-points.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a timer for measuring offense limit time in a basketball game is provided, in which offense limit time is continuously displayed on an offense limit time display when game remaining time is left less than twenty-four seconds, to thereby allow players to play the basketball game and spectators to see the basketball game more dynamically as well.

Abstract: In the 21st Century Challenge America Basketball Game, the three-point line is placed at eighteen feet and enhanced with a 56.25 degree elliptical arc meaning the three-point shot can increase in length from eighteen to twenty four feet as the player moves to the top of the key. A four-point shot has been introduced. The basket use has been raised to between ten feet one inch to fifteen feet eleven inches depending on agreed level and selection of play and division level of play. Shots made “in the paint” are worth one point. The game is played on a one hundred foot court.

Abstract: The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface which may include a first plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, which may include a second plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon. The first surface has a first marking thereon and the second surface has a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game.

Abstract: This invention provides a physical game to be played on ice informally by amateurs or professionally by professional athletes. The game uses a ball and baskets set above the ice and the equipment and clothing adapted to the ice environment. The object of the game is to make points by the players on each team scoring by throwing the ball into or through the basket provided for that team.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reversibly converting a chair into a basketball goal. Four operating modes are disclosed. A first mode in which the article is configured as a basketball goal, a second mode in which the article is configured as a chair within an upwardly extended backboard, a third mode in which a net is deployed for returning basketballs to a shooter and a fourth mode wherein the article is configured as a chair with the backboard collapsed therebehind.

Abstract: A scale sport playing court or floor and associated equipment are provided for persons of a smaller stature or height than the collegiate or professional players of the standard-size version of the sport. Teams are selected with players' height restricted to a maximum height (e.g., 72 inches) or less. The game is played according to normal rules except that the court size, goal (or net) and ball size are reduced by a scale factor S related to the height of the smaller stature players to the average height of the professional or collegiate players. In a scale basketball game, the court size, hoop diameter, height of the hoop, distance from the free throw line to the backboard, three point arc, and other dimensions are the product of the scale factor S times the standard dimension. The scaling matches the court and equipment to the athleticism of the players.

Abstract: A disc catching device for catching a thrown disc, having a canopy structure, a basket structure, an assembly coupled to the canopy structure and the basket structure, and a pole to which the canopy structure and the basket structure may be attached. The assembly may engage a thrown disc, and for some embodiments, may comprise chains. When the disc catching device is deployed in its upright position for the sport of disc golf, the assembly hangs from the canopy structure, and is coupled to a ring that surrounds the pole. The basket structure comprises a set of basket arms, and when the disc catching device is deployed upright, the ring hangs below the set of basket arms. For some embodiments, the canopy structure and the basket structure may be foldable, like an umbrella. For some embodiments, the basket arms may be basket support arms, where each basket support arm supports a basket arm. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: Blind people have a heightened sense of recognizing and responding to sounds. If we provide a sound guided environment informing them of their whereabouts and where they are supposed to go, this will enable them to interact with others in a competitive atmosphere.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A combined football/basketball game is provided. In the game, initially an offensive team attempts to score a touchdown against a defensive team pursuant to an American rules football style of game play. When the offensive team scores a touchdown, the mode of game play shifts to a basketball-mode in which the offensive team attempts to make a basketball shot to score additional points against the defensive team. When the ball is controlled by the defensive team during basketball mode, i.e., after a missed shot or a made shot by the offensive team, the defensive team becomes the offensive team and attempts to score a touchdown in football mode. The game continues in this manner until the end of the time allotted for playing the game.

Abstract: A portable basketball system includes a support pole that is sized and configured to support a basketball goal above a playing surface. The portable basketball system also includes a base with a generally hollow interior that allows the base to be filled with ballast material such as sand or water. In addition, the portable basketball system may include an axle and a locking member that are connected to the support pole, and a wheel that is connected to the axle. The base may include a wheel receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the wheel and support pole, an axle receiving portion that connects the axle to the base, a support pole receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the support pole, and a locking member receiving portion that receives at least a portion of the locking member when the support pole is in a playing position.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket located in front of the backboard providing a reflective surface, and a member attached to the supporting bracket and having a target affixed thereon. The member and the supporting bracket coacting to reflect the target and produce a reflective target bulls eye. Upon shooting, if the user aims towards the centerpoint of the reflective target bulls eye and shoots the basketball in the proper trajectory to engage that centerpoint, the basketball, on this trajectory toward the centerpoint, would engage the backboard at a perfect reflection point and, thereby, bounce off the backboard towards the basketball hoop to obtain the perfect basketball shot.

Abstract: Apparatus for a game to be played with a ball including a basket assembly adapted to be mounted to a ceiling or other elevated horizontal surface and defining at least two openings at a bottom thereof receivable of the ball. The basket assembly defines an interior space adjacent and above the openings such that the ball enters into the interior space of the basket assembly when passing in an upward direction through the openings. The interior space in the basket assembly adjacent to and above each opening constitutes a basket. Points are scored upon the passage of the ball through one of the openings into a basket. If the openings are connected to one another, then points can be scored when the ball passes into one basket and through the interior space of the basket assembly to the other basket.

Abstract: Heatball is a new field game, and board game. Heatball was created to be played, on foot, on skates, and wheelchairs. Heatball has two court designs, a round court, with one basket in the center, and an oval court with two baskets in different areas of the court. Heatball courts may have various dimensions. and surfaces, such as concrete, ice, or wood. Players follow specific rules using a ball, baskets, ramps, and court symbols, with the objective of scoring points. Courts may have elevated areas throughout the court, and may have, an elevated wall with a rail, along the outer edge of the court. The field game is played by two teams with four participants each, or three teams with three participants each. One team will play offense, this team will have possession of the ball, and will try to score by placing the ball through the basket, defensive teams will try to prevent scoring by preventing, and blocking shots.

Abstract: Hoopball is an alternative game of live basketball that is derived from National Basketball Association (NBA) style basketball. Hoopball is a basketball game that features its own playing methods and has rules that are in most cases quite different from NBA rules. Hoopball is played on regulation NBA basketball courts with regular basketballs; it is designed for slower player action and less hard contact between opposing players; as a result the play action in hoopball produces fewer player injuries. In order to handle the ball with expertise and score baskets consistently each of the five players on a hoopball team must develop skills equivalent to the level of skills exhibited by NBA basketball players in ball handling and point scoring abilities. Hoopball players may not need to run as fast or be as tall as the star athletes on NBA teams to be star athletes on hoopball teams but their basketball skills can easily be equivalent to basketball skills of star athletes on NBA and the best college teams.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket, and a target bulls eye. The target bulls eye is mounted behind the backboard and provides a target for the shooter which, if the basketball were in the proper trajectory to engage the target bulls eye, the basketball would engage the backboard at a perfect reflection point, thereby, bouncing off the backboard towards the basketball hoop to obtain the perfect basketball shot.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing two games, one at a time, in a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a floating support having first and second portions, a first game target disposed in the first portion and a second game target disposed in the second portion, wherein the support may be disposed first portion up or first portion down, and is shaped and arranged to float stably in either orientation, so that of the first or second games my be played accordingly.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. One first side of the first panel is coupled to one side of the second panel, and one side of the third panel is coupled to the fabric of the second panel.

Abstract: A method of authorizing participation in a game played on a substantially level and smooth surface, having rectangular shape and length and width of smaller dimension than any standard conventional basketball court, and rings vertically raised from the surface and disposed adjacent each end of the surface, each of the rings having slightly larger diameter than any standard conventional basketball, includes applying for authorization; reviewing to determine rejection or allowance; granting authorization only if the step of reviewing determined allowance; permitting entry for next participation only if and after performing the step of granting; and discerning the authorization prior to participation.

Abstract: A method for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body involves (a) the person jumping into the air while holding a hanging article; and (b) placing while in the air the hanging article on an elevated, substantially horizontal flexible support, so that the hanging article is retained on the support after the person releases the article from his hold. The support is positioned above the extended height of the person. An exercise system for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body thus includes (a) an elevated substantially horizontal flexible support; and (b) a hanging article, wherein the support is positioned above the extended height of the person.

Abstract: An athletic skill training apparatus includes a generally horizontal upper ring that defines an upper opening, preferably circular and the same diameter as a traditional basketball hoop, made from a strong, lightweight material. Three lower rings are attached to the upper ring and extend downwardly and inwardly to attach to a shock absorbing base member. The base member includes an upwardly extending projection with a rounded upper surface that tapers downwardly and outwardly to direct the basketball out of the lower rings. The rings and the base member form a goal assembly that is mounted on a support assembly telescopic post for use by children and adults.

Abstract: A free standing, upright sports goal structure (10) having a plurality of inflatable bladders to form the framework (19) of a standing goal structure, together with an outer casing (25) of non-elastic material which encloses the inflatable framework (19) and serves to form a strong rigid goal structure (10) which is useful in a plurality of sports, yet which can quickly and easily be erected or collapsed for convenient transportation and storage.

Abstract: A training device includes a platform mounted on a wheel assembly. The platform has a rail for a support mechanism mounted thereon. On this support mechanism at least one training implement can be mounted and be supported therearound for use by an athlete in contacting the training device. In the platform is a control device for the wheel assembly, in order to adjust movement of the training device with respect to the type of training desired.

Abstract: A training device includes a platform mounted on a wheel assembly. The platform has a rail for a support mechanism mounted thereon. On this support mechanism at least one training implement can be mounted and be supported therearound for use by an athlete in contacting the training device. In the platform is a control device for the wheel assembly, in order to adjust movement of the training device with respect to the type of training desired.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A basketball shot training device including a platform having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is positionable on a flat recipient surface. The upper surface receives a practicing player's feet thereon in a standing orientation. A tether is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is adjustably secured to the platform. A glove is coupled with the second end of the tether. The glove has an opening therein for receiving a hand of the practicing player therein. A sensor is coupled with respect to the glove. The sensor is programmed to monitor a proper shooting motion of the hand of the practicing player when positioned within the glove.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A portable basketball unit comprising a hoop, backboard and pole having a base portion. The base portion is modified so that a brace system can be secured thereto. Auger screws are secured to the brace system and driven into the ground. The base unit is attached to the auger screws and a leveling collar and adjustment leveler is used to cause the pole to be substantially vertical. The attachment members are then tightened and the middle and upper portions are attached, the basketball unit being ready for play.

Abstract: A basketball safety apparatus which comprises sections of netting adapted to be used in conjunction with a basketball goal, movable pole support bases which are adapted to be positioned in proximity to the basketball goal and a driveway that connects to a street, and a plurality of poles adapted to be mounted vertically in the pole support bases. The sections of netting are connected to the vertically mounted poles or to the basketball goal. The netting has mesh size is sufficiently small to stop a basketball, and the poles and bases are mounted and arranged so that the netting forms a barrier in one or more directions from the basketball goal and across the driveway.

Abstract: An alternative to traditional basketball that enables the audience to enjoy faster action than provided by traditional basketball, and which challenges especially gifted players with a more demanding and rigorous game. The game court is nearly twice as large as a traditional NBA playing court and the hoop is smaller and higher than a standard hoop and is played without a backboard. New rules are provided playing and for scoring wherein there are three point areas under and away from the hoop. The number, positions of the players, and mode of play are different, including the use of a protected goalie with the freedom to move without dribbling the ball, a running substitution box, and rules wherein the location of the ball, not the player, determines if play is live or dead.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and visual cue located on the surface of a basketball court to assist a basketball player gauge his or her position relative to substantially the exact lateral position of the basket and, optionally, the backboard overhead.

Abstract: A free standing, upright sports goal structure (10) having a plurality of inflatable bladders to form the framework (19) of a standing goal structure, together with an outer casing (25) of non-elastic material which encloses the inflatable framework (19) and serves to form a strong rigid goal structure (10) which is useful in a plurality of sports, yet which can quickly and easily be erected or collapsed for convenient transportation and storage.